The [Horribly Unpopular] Soccer Thread

[carloscede2]

So, the Copa America draw is done and we have our groups. Here's how I see each group shaking out:

Group A
USA
Colombia
Costa Rica
Paraguay

I already covered this pretty thoroughly above, theoretically anyone can come out of this group, but on paper this should be Colombia in first and team USA second.

Group B
Brazil
Ecuador
Haiti
Peru

Brazil must be salivating over this group. The only real dominance threat here is Ecuador, but even that isn't all that scary. Anything other than winning this group is a huge slip up for Brazil. Haiti and Peru should be sheep to the slaughter and Ecuador should wind up second.

Group C
Mexico
Uruguay
Jamaica
Venezuela

If there is a group of death in this tournament, I'd say group C is it. Uruguay are monstrously good, Mexico is the current Gold Cup champion and Jamaica is no slouch, Venezuela is theoretically the punching bag here, but if they can sort out their interpersonal issues (the players protested due to a recent spate of bad results) then they could be a surprise threat. That said, on paper this should be simple, Uruguay annihilates everyone else and then Mexico picks up the scraps to take second place.

Group D
Argentina
Chile
Panama
Bolivia

Anyone wanna bet against a team with Lionel Messi getting out of their group? I didn't think so. After that, I think Chile, who are scary fast and almost entirely ignore defense in favor of offense, will take second. Bolivia is just happy to be here and are probably the punching bag. The only way Panama has a chance here is if their defense is absolutely 100% perfect against Chile and they can counter attack effectively against Chile's 3 man defense and then beat Bolivia too.

Costa rica might give a surprise to Colombia. And Venezuela usually puts up a good fight against these teams(we have strong hearts) and if you see the history of venezuela vs uruguay and vs mexico, we havent done too bad. As you said, the players protested, not only for the results but because theres a lot of corruption in that federation. Honestly, my country is way too ****ed up to have a good national team, they basically represent the country's situation, cant even find shampoo in the damn pharmacies anymore

 

[HoppyDaze]

Gianni Infantino sounds even more shady than Sepp Blatter

 

[Hugh_Jass]

Tokyo Sexwale withdrawals early has to be the best Internet headline today.

 

[Talgrath]

The old era of FIFA corruption is over! Let a new era of FIFA corruption begin! Gianni Infantino, whose name (I believe) translates to "Giant Baby" has won the FIFA presidency! Go maybe slightly less corrupt FIFA president!

Giant Baby Wins FIFA Election

 

[carloscede2]

The old era of FIFA corruption is over! Let a new era of FIFA corruption begin! Gianni Infantino, whose name (I believe) translates to "Giant Baby" has won the FIFA presidency! Go maybe slightly less corrupt FIFA president!

Giant Baby Wins FIFA Election

Giant baby haha thats hilarious

 

[Qhrumphf]

I'd be upset about drawing Dortmund, but ultimately if we're going to win Europa we either have to beat them or whoever else beats them no matter what anyway so better to get it out of the way now.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

USL Reno is now officially Reno 1868 FC. I like the typeface they chose. Colors and crest to follow.

View attachment 1456524736048.jpg

 

[Qhrumphf]

Also, I find the arrogance of refusing to accept "football" as a term instead of devoting it to a game played with neither feet nor a proper ball to FAR surpass whatever issues with a US team using "FC".

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Also, I find the arrogance of refusing to accept "football" as a term instead of devoting it to a game played with neither feet nor a proper ball to FAR surpass whatever issues with a US team using "FC".

Sorry, but American Football is based off the Rugby school

Association football (or Football, or Soccer) is based off the Cambridge rules.

In America, American rules football from jump street dominated Association Football. You can call soccer football if you choose, it's your right to do that. But in my experience anyone who's not from another country who I know who calls soccer football, is an elitist. So I don't know, maybe I'm a bit jaded, but I call it soccer, it's an English term, so it's not like it's something American's made up.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Sorry, but American Football is based off the Rugby school

Association football (or Football, or Soccer) is based off the Cambridge rules.

In America, American rules football from jump street dominated Association Football. You can call soccer football if you choose, it's your right to do that. But in my experience anyone who's not from another country who I know who calls soccer football, is an elitist. So I don't know, maybe I'm a bit jaded, but I call it soccer, it's an English term, so it's not like it's something American's made up.

And yet "soccer" is something all but no one in England uses...

"Rugby football" vs. "Association football", I'm aware of the etymology. And yet rugby is rugby and football is football.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Also https://www.google.com/maps/place/B...2!3m1!1s0x4871836681b3d861:0x8ee4b22e4b9ad71f

That's where I grew up. It's been football to me for my whole life. So perhaps I'm biased.

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

And yet "soccer" is something all but no one in England uses...

"Rugby football" vs. "Association football", I'm aware of the etymology. And yet rugby is rugby and football is football.

Because of popularity. Same reason why in America Association Football is Soccer and AMerican Football is Football.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Because of popularity. Same reason why in America Association Football is Soccer and AMerican Football is Football.

You have a point there. I suppose New Zealand would be the third example where rugby is king and they often use soccer instead of football (despite changing the term in official use). However i thought they still usually called rugby rugby and not football. But never been, don't know any kiwis, and I seldom watch rugby (even if the All Blacks are really, really good) so I have no idea.

 

[Reno_eNVy]

Also, I find the arrogance of refusing to accept "football" as a term instead of devoting it to a game played with neither feet nor a proper ball to FAR surpass whatever issues with a US team using "FC".

Plus the FO has indicated that the "FC" or "Football Club" is simply a designator. Yes, it's part of the official name but I doubt it will be used much colloquially. Nobody says "Seattle Sounders FC" or "Vancouver Whitecaps FC" in casual conversation.

Most likely in conversation we'll hear a lot of "1868". And what seems to be catching on in social media is "R68" or "R'68" which I like. I've also seen a few "#BLCTID"

 

[Qhrumphf]

It's not only us nervous-excited about the Dortmund draw. They know we're also a force to be reckoned with. One report even said that Dortmund got the "tough draw". For once something other than "lads, it's Tottenham".

This will definitely test our Champions League mettle.

http://cartilagefreecaptain.sbnatio...gue-2016?_ga=1.94008541.1993576613.1441377342

My favorite:

Michael Zorc (Sporting Director): "Tottenham are the most difficult side that we could have been up against, but it's also a hugely appealing fixture."

 

[Hugh_Jass]

I'm glad when CCSC went through their rebranding, they elected to go with SC rather than FC. It's major league SOCCER not football or futbal.
Americans who try to emulate Europe in soccer drive me crazy. To me, it's 1 part pretension and one part wannabe.

 

[Qhrumphf]

One Leicester late goal spoils what would have been a fantastic weekend. Hah. At least our hold on 2nd is a bit stronger and we're still only 2 off of first (but it could have been us on top, oh well)

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

What are the odds that Rashford Jersey aren't the number 1 sellers in Manchester over the coming week? 4 goals in his first 2 games? That's sick.

 

[carloscede2]

Madrid lost and Barsa won. This was a good weekend :sly:

 

[Qhrumphf]

Leicester slipped. Could have put it away for the win in stoppage time, but didn't. Now it's our time to shine. A win tomorrow, and we move into first place. COYS!

 

[hoppyhoppyhippo]

Down 1-0 at half, DC is sunk.

 

[Qhrumphf]

I got the Fotmob alert quickly after kickoff that they were already down 1. I've opted to save the heartache and not watch.

 

[Talgrath]

Yeeeesh. MLS is just getting handled in the CCL right now, The two teams that I thought had the best shots of going through to the round of 4 both lost badly yesterday. LA Galaxy got absolutely demolished by Santos Laguna 4-0 and DC United only managed a draw at home, going down 3-1 on aggregate. These are some downright embarrassing results, particularly for the Galaxy.

Now, only two games tonight stand in the way of an all Liga MX round of 4, Sounders FC and Real Salt Lake. On paper, based on the score, the Sounders have the better chance, 2-2 on aggregate...but they're against Club America at home in Estadio Azteca and they must win or draw 3-3 or better to advance; that's a tall order for any team in North America, much less a team in preseason that was the underdog from the start. Meanwhile RSL gets Tigres at home...but they're down 0-2 on aggregate, RSL will need to keep a clean sheet and score a tidy pile of goals to advance; did I mention Tigres are in great form after smashing Club America 4-1? For the Sounders, their only glimmer of hope is America's recent run of bad form in Liga MX (such as the aforementioned 4-1 beatdown by Tigres). For RSL, their only comfort is their elevation advantage and the fact that they're traditionally rock solid on defense at home. Honestly, I'm expecting both the Sounders and RSL to be shown the door, unfortunately; an embarrassing for MLS Liga MX CCL semifinal seems inevitable.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Crazy two days in the Prem. Leicester fared the best, getting a point against West Brom. Spurs, City, and the Arse not so much. We all bombed it, City in particular (perhaps justice for the League Cup result over the weekend). One of those few times where I'm happy to cheer on Liverpool.

Some folks are calling this our worst match of the season. I'd say the one against Newcastle may have been worse (and West Ham has been a much better side as of late), but it definitely was not pretty. The second half a little better than the first, but not by much. Fortunately defensively Wimmer and Alderweireld were alright, preventing the score from being much worse. Our midfield was awful and Harry wasn't doing much either. But at least the silver lining is that we only drop one point further behind the Foxes, and maintain the gap between City and Arsenal. Favorable results on Saturday could still spell a 1st place Tottenham.

Well, DC United is another story. I'm glad I didn't bother to watch last night.

 

[Qhrumphf]

Easily one of the biggest, most important matches of my lifetime tomorrow morning. I'll be in the pub with the local supporters bright and early. COYS!

 

[Qhrumphf]

This cracks me up, and eases the knot in my stomach:

 

[Qhrumphf]

Haven't been this disappointed in a draw in a long time. It was ours and we blew it.

Meanwhile Guzan on for Villa. Means if/when they lose, he'll certainly be blamed for it.

 

[Talgrath]

In USMNT/MLS news, Jermain Jones has a new team in Colorado, in exchange for allocation cash and the Colorado's first round pick the Revs gave up Jermain Jones, who will be paid in Targeted Allocation Money so that he doesn't take up a designated player spot. For the Revs this is an amazing deal, Jones made it pretty clear he wasn't going back to Boston, at least not for what they were willing to offer him; so for what is basically nothing they get a good draft pick and a pile of cash, not bad. For Colorado, well this just makes me think more and more that they are aiming to sell the club by acquiring any USMNT player they can to jack up the price; Jones does make them better, but it's not like defensive midfielder was the spot they were struggling with. This doesn't really change my assessment of either team competitively either, I assumed Jones wasn't heading back to the Revs; for Colorado Jones' injury and disciplinary issues along with any USMNT call ups almost assuredly means he is missing for at least 1/3rd of the season, and even if he was 100% available Jones alone doesn't make Colorado a big western conference threat. For Jones and the USMNT, this deal means that Jones is out for the next upcoming set of World Cup qualifiers as he serves his suspension for getting physical with referee Mark Geiger, he won't be available again until late April for any team outside of training.

Jones aside, MLS is back baby! WOO! MLS begins again tomorrow with a huge slew of games, the national TV schedule kicks off with a rematch of MLS Cup, with Portland hosting Columbus at 4:30 pm EST on ESPN. The MLS Cup rematch is followed by Sounders FC vs Sporting KC at 7 pm EST and finishes off LA hosting hosting DC United on Unimas at 10 pm EST. Get hyped MLS fans!

 

[Reno_eNVy]

In other USMNT news, the two new kits are hideous.

Bring back the hoops!

 

[Reno_eNVy]

IT'S SOCCER SUNDAY!

Every club playing with matches throughout the day. MLS Live is fired up on NYRBvTFC and I have OCSCvRSL and CHIvNYC lined up and ready to multi-stream. Rocket League is running on the other monitor. This is going to be a day just jam-packed full of soccer. Prepare for sensory overload.